Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph N. Boakai has called on all Liberians and national stakeholders to embrace the truth value of freedom. Speaking Friday, July 26 2024 at Liberia’s 177th Independence Day celebration in Monrovia under the theme, “Building a New Liberia for All Liberians.”
President Boakai said that Liberians should redefine the purpose of the nation’s existence as an independent state by working together to create an enabling environment that all citizens would have the opportunity to live a dignified life.
“It is time for us to embrace the true values of freedom and work together to provide opportunities for every Liberian to live a dignified life in our country,” he said, adding that the country is at a crucial crossroads where there is a rare chance to unite and truly embody what it means to be free, as well as to build a nation that reflects the diversity of Liberia.
He also urged Liberians to work toward building a nation that the current generation will be proud to pass on to the next generation. This is a pivotal time in the history of our country. We have a unique chance to unite, to fully represent what it means to be free, and to create a country that is representative of Liberia’s diversity. Boakai said, “Let us endeavor to build a nation we can be proud to pass on to future generations.”
The President stated that Liberia is a country with a rich history, but it has been slow to grow; adding, Liberians now have the chance to change the path of the country and move away from the self-imposed challenges encountered since winning independence 177 years ago.
He added that Liberia has immense potential, and it is the responsibility of the current generation to take advantage of the opportunity and rebuild the country so that everyone has a better chance at a good life.
However, he vowed his personal commitment to his government providing the space to work together across all divides to bring about positive change for all. “My fellow citizens, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our country during this crucial time, caught between a challenging past and a hopeful future. I see this moment in our history as a turning point to leap with faith, as we strive to transition from the past to the future,” President Boakai added.
The Liberian president declared that the decisions made today will have an ongoing effect on future generations and that it is now the right time for people to unite and use their combined strengths to move Liberia in the direction of inclusivity.
He continued by saying that historical structural hurdles have limited the ability of a significant portion of Liberians, particularly those living in the interior of the nation, to earn and maintain decent livelihoods in addition to making it difficult for them to access services.
President Boakai continued that a number of people have taken advantage of the government for their own gain and that the structure of the economy has resulted in substantial inequality, which has fostered societal tensions and conflicts.
These and a host of other variables, according to President Boakai, have fueled tensions and divided society along lines of class, wealth, ethnicity, and other conflict-prone variables.
He urged all parties involved to work toward demonstrating a shared vision and a resolute commitment to creating a new Liberia that embraces all citizens, regardless of background, religion, or ethnicity.
